bdodger15

This might be a dumb questions but my dad won't let me put a lift on my jeep at all not even a small one so I was wondering what some things I could do to my stock jeep to make it better for some trails or mud? Things like new shocks? maybe new tires? stuff like that, thanks for the help

1976Mustang

IF you're willing, cut the fenders and disconnect the rear swaybar (If you even have one). Make sure the front swaybar links will unbolt easy or get quick disconnects.

Someone in my area has 31inch tires on a stock jeep, all he did was cut the fenders to make room. And he can do stuff my jeep with a 3inch can't do (Since I'm on street tires)

Dan91

The best thing would be lockers.

1976Mustang

X2, throw in a new axle while you're at it lol.

bdodger15

i'm clueless when it comes to vehicles but ive always wondered what is the difference between 4x4 and lockers? because i have 4x4 on the jeep

shawn_00x

Lockers and tires. Even if you use stock size. Do the cowl snorkel mod too and use di electric grease on all connections. Because you may hit some deep water and don't need the head aches lol.

4 wheel drive is not full 4 wheel power. By using a locker instead of power being sent to the wheels that slip it will lock both shafts together, so both wheels will receive the power

cf1k1

Locker. I put a no slip Powertrax in my 2wd, and damn, what a freaking difference! Get an aggressive tire like the Wranglers or something along those. Trim the front fenders, and cut/fold the fender in the back.

1976Mustang

Stock jeeps have what's called an "Open Differential", I think some came with limited slips, not sure about that part. Anyways the point in an open diff is it allows the jeeps to turn better at speed. Close to useless offroad.

88 Ex Jay

Wheel and tire combo, heres my rubi's on stock suspension.

Scotty16

Stickers ...just givin ya a hard time, sorry. lol

What ya could do is hood vents or scoops, I did, fairly cheap. also maybe changeup the rims and tires

Aux lights, rock sliders, its really up to you. Have fun with it!!!!!

Scotty16

Like

bdodger15

what tire specs are you running?

djb383

My guess is pops bought the XJ for u as a daily driver with limited off-roading. Learn a little about vehicle maintenance.....u'll need it if u (and your dad) expect any 12+ year old vehicle to remain reliable. Did your XJ have a owners manual?.....read it cover-2-cover. The XJ is one of the easiest/cheapest vehicles there is to maintain.....but u gotta learn it/do it.

Getting to a trail and/or mud is one thing.....knowing how to analyze what you're fixing to drive over and being very cautious of what you're fixing to drive off into plays a big part in whether u get back or not. There are several different lubricants/oils/fluids in the XJ drive train......none of which will continue to do their job when contaminated with water/mud, get old, get low.

Basically there r 3 types of differentials......open, limited slip and locking, the later 2 being what's referred to as traction enhanced diffs. Here's a decent video showing the advantages/capabilities of a auto-locking rear differential. Forget that it says Eaton G80, that's just one of many brands/types of auto-locking diffs.


Some auto-locking diffs can be installed in ones driveway in a couple of hours....PowerTrax No-Slip for example. The Eaton G80 is not for the DIY'er to install in the driveway in a couple of hours.

About the only way to get from clueless to educated about vehicles is to read/practice/get your hands dirty. Good luck.

Rockville

Tell your dad, he is very smart man.

88 Ex Jay

245/75/15 , being that 99.999 % of the time I don't aggressively rock crawl with it, it does just fine. Adjusted steering stops and changed the mud flap bolt and no rubbing anymore, that was it.